Weapon lights

[webley445]

Was wodering if regular stock SF/Scorpions would work as weapon lights? Or does it need to be shock isolated lights? Saw some ads for screw on clamps for use on AR, AK, and 12 guage. The clamp attaches to barrel and holds most 123 lights. There were also some that attched to assesory rail/weaver base. Scorpions and TACM are sold in "kit" form with the clamps. Just don't want to waste my money getting one but having the recoil blow out the bulb in my lights. I have spare G2's and Scorpions I would use.
Also saw clamps made for use with Mini Mags. Will these lights hold up too? Wouldn't want to use the Mini use stricktly for indoor/close work, but it would be cheaper and easier to get a pressure switch/tail cap to get it ste up.

 

[Size15's]

How often do you use your firearm?
Have you ever used it? Or do you just train with it?
How often do you train with it?

Many flashlights may work on a firearm, some only for the first round before failure. However, SureFire offer dedicated WeaponLights specifically for use on firearms (with switching options and mounting options you can pick for preferred use). These WeaponLights are designed for heavy use and are battle proven for many years.

Reading the firearms forums and speaking to users, SureFire WeaponLights are the best. I suggest that other forums may help you in your search for a cost-effective weapon-mounted light. What sort of firearms do you want to attach lights to?

Al

 

[TonyBPD]

I'm looking for a weapon light as well. I want something for a Bushmaster AR-15. There is a ton of different options out there. I hope to find something soon.

 

[Size15's]

How about an M962XM05 ??
Do you use a vertical foregrip?
Starting point I guess is whether you want to get rail handguards or you want to either attach a bit of rail or attach via a barrel or sightpost mount in which case a Classic WeaponLight would be better.

Al

 

[webley445]

I'm looking towards barrel mounting, in calibres 223, 762x39, and 12 guage.

 

[John N]

Webley,

I think there are two main failure issues when using a light with a firearm, both relating to recoil.

The first issue is bulb failure. Surefire deals with this by making a shock isolation housing for the bulb. Of course this isn't as much as an issue with LED lights.

The other issue is the inertia of the batteries cause them to smash down the nipple of the battery potentially making the light somewhat erratic. Surefire deals with this by making specially reinforced battery packs for their weapons lights. I get the impression this is mostly an issue for people who practice a lot.

In the end, I think I would avoid using a non-weapons light for use with a longarm. If you don't want a dedicated weaponlight, consider something like the SF M2 (shock isolated) or SF L5.

There are options for these lights such as a clickie tailcap and I think they will also accept the tape style switches.

-john